excellent story, I love the progress Severus is making in his willingness to accept Hermione's love so fully.

My goodness, such a cathartic situation for both Severus and Hermione. Intensely erotic, and fulfilling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am in agreement that there is more to be declared by him.Thank you for sharing~

This story just keeps getting better with each update.  I can't wait to see how the dance goes.  I wonder if Severus will be totally jealous? 

How can you continue to top each chapter with one so different, exotic and thrilling? Wow that was so hot... and he deserved every second of it. Hermione was probably the only person who could have elicited such an apology from him and her actions were very Slytherin worthy. Well done such a h-o-o-ottt scene!

Wow, that was amazing.

About time she took control! :D

Mmm, what a good, good boy!

I love this story. It is one of my absolute favourites and has been from chapter one. Beautiful, erotic, well crafted and well written. I appreciate the angst but it's not so gut-wrenching that you just wish they'd get over it, but real enough to feel right for them.I look forward to each update and I'll be sorry when it's finished. But it is definitely in my printed private collection. Thanks for such a lovely story.

Severus is quite full of surprises, I love that about him.

What is she going to do about his uncertainty. She is such a smart girl, I'm sure she will figure it out quickly.

Who knew Hermione had it in her to talk like that?  Interesting, in a good way.

I really love this story, and the subtle shifting from the beginning.  They started out desperate, totally consumed with each other, and while they are still completely consumed with one another their feelings have finally settled into a steady burn.  I love the complexity of your characters, which is necessary for these two.  Can't wait for the next chapter!!! 

This chapter was just so romantic. Absolutely wonderful. Severus and Hermione definitely needed time away from the castle so they can let go of the caution they've been practicing since the start of their relationship. I'm looking forward to more.

That was hawt!  Now, where did I put my fan?  Such a lovely release for Hermione, and apparently he's a fast learner.  *fans self*Beth

Amazing!  I didn't see that coming, but it didn't disappoint.  Yes, they have some work to do, but I'm hoping that with time and the right circumstances, they'll be able to slowly build a firm foundation on which to grow their love.Well done once again!Beth

I really like how you used a quote from the Bible in this chapter.  The Book of Song of Solomon is beautiful. 

beautiful.

It amazes me to see the need they have of one another. That neither seems to be able to exist outside of their codependency. Their coupling seems to be almost life affirming. Loving this. Intense.Thank you~

What a tasty morsel. *giggle*Thank you for sharing~

It was so good to see Harry, not so much Ron, what a prat.  It was really sweet to see Severus's concern for Hermione.  I hope he doesn't loose it when he finds out Hermione has a "date" to the dance.  Great update .

My heart goes out to Severus. After he let Hermione go, he still needed the encounter to make him feel needed and secure in their relationship.  It's cool she understood.  And Ron...is there a BIGGER prat in the world?  He means well, yes, and/but he's trying to fix her up without consulting her - like a big brother would, and that's GOT to be degrading let alone mortifying!  After umpteen times Hermione's taken care of him and Harry, now Ron feels he has to look out for her best interest, which she surely doesn't need! I know Severus isn't going to be too enthused that Ron set her up on a date, but perhaps he'll go extra easy on her if she explains that she let Lawrence know in no uncertain terms it was a friendship date anyways. Naw, who am I kidding? This is Snape we're talking about!

Hmmm ... not sure I agree with you.  I see obsession and possession, but I don't see love.  Love is wanting, and doing for, the best for the other.  The actions in this story are more like the fulfillment of selfish desires rather than anything sacrificial for the best of the other.

What a blessing to have such a good friend as Harry.  Now she has a second person to talk to, and while he isn't the same as having a girlfriend to chat with, I think he is most likely to understand the appeal of Severus.  Ron would probably fly off the handle, even if he does want Hermione to find someone and be happy.  Your Ron was so... Ron.  He is always saying and doing the wrong thing, but it is never with any malice.  He just has no clue.  And Lawrence... why do I get the feeling that the "just friends" thing is going to fly out the window at the dance?As for Severus and Hermione, I hope that she does decide to declare her feelings, and if he doesn't reciprocate verbally yet, he can find some way to show her.  The bathtub scene was hot, and I loved the sensuality of it compared to most of their other encounters which are fulfilling, but frantic and rushed.  The library scene made me very nervous.  I hope they are careful.  Now if he can just understand the necessity for her to go to the ball with Lawrence...

I am glad Harry was accepting of the them. It is going to be really tough for Hermione to tell Severus about the ball as I am sure there will be some sort of anger or misunderstanding on his part, or at least he will pretend to be fine with it but it will eat at him like crazy. Oh Severus, please don't kill Lawrence!

I can't stand it if their peace doesn't last.  This is a very intese story, but I would hate to see Severus jelous and angry. It would destroy the relationship.  The fabric of it would change.  Excellent story.